Guillemot Eggs Research Articles

Decreasing lead levels in Swedish biota revealed by 36 years (1969–2004) of environmental monitoring

Since the 1980s, lead levels decreased significantly in most marine biota from the Baltic Sea, the Kattegatt and the Skagerrack and in terrestrial biota from south and central Sweden, analysed in the National Swedish Environmental Monitoring Programme. In herring and cod liver, the decrease was 4.2-7.1% annually 1981-2003 and in perch liver and guillemot eggs analysed since the middle of the 1990s the decrease was 10-13%. In kidneys of young starlings from south and central Sweden, lead levels decreased 6.2-12% annually and the annual decrease in liver and kidney from young moose was 8.8% and 6.5%, respectively. In northern Sweden, lead levels decreased in pike liver by 2.8% between 1969 and 1994 and in reindeer liver by 3.5% annually while a significant increase (5% annually 1981-1994) has been detected in arctic char. In some marine biota, there were indications of a larger decrease during the last ten years compared to the whole period. The large decline in lead emission to the atmosphere during the last twenty years, mainly because of decreasing use of leaded gasoline has obviously resulted in decreasing lead levels in biota.

Temporal trend of bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone, methylsulfonyl-DDE and -PCBs in Baltic guillemot ( Uria aalge) egg 1971–2001 – A comparison to 4,4′-DDE and PCB trends

The dynamics of organohalogen contaminants and their metabolites are best studied over time by analysis of biota at high trophic levels. In this study, time trends, 1971–2001, of bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS) and of methylsulfonyl-substituted metabolites of PCBs and 4,4′-DDE, were investigated in eggs of guillemot ( Uria aalge) hatching in the Baltic Proper. Temporal trends of PCBs, trans-nonachlor, β-HCH, 4,4′-DDT, and 4,4′-DDE were also assessed. Tris(4-chlorophenyl) methane (TCPMe), a 4,4′-DDT by-product, was detected in the eggs. The concentration of BCPS ranged between 2.6–0.76 μg/g on a lipid weight basis over the three decades and showed a significant 1.6% annual decrease. Three metabolites of PCBs, i.e. 3′-MeSO 2-CB101, 4′-MeSO 2-CB101 and 4-MeSO 2-CB149, were quantified in all samples over time and showed an annual decrease of approximately 3% compared to MeSO 2-DDE with a decrease of 8.9%. The methylsulfonyl-PCB and -DDE metabolites are eliminated more slowly than the persistent PCB congeners and 4,4′-DDE. Trans-nonachlor decreases by 16% compared to 19% and 9% for 4,4′-DDT and β-HCH, respectively. The concentration of TCPMe in guillemot decreased by 8.2% per year. A linear relationship was found between TCPMe and 4,4′-DDE concentrations which supports the theory that TCPMe has an origin as a contaminant in commercial 4,4′-DDT products. The very slow decrease in BCPS concentrations is notable and remains to be explained. BCPS is still present at rather high concentrations in the guillemot eggs. The enantiomeric fraction varied between 0.27 and 0.67 which indicates less of a specific retention of the chiral MeSO 2-PCBs in guillemot eggs than in grey seal tissues, for example. Independent of meta- or para-substitution of the sulfone group, the most accumulative atropisomer of each of four MeSO 2-PCB pairs has been assigned an absolute R structure.

A Statistical Resampling Method To Calculate Biomagnification Factors Exemplified with Organochlorine Data from Herring (Clupea harengus) Muscle and Guillemot (Uria aalge) Egg from the Baltic Sea

A novel method for calculating biomagnification factors is presented and demonstrated using contaminant concentration data from the Swedish national monitoring program regarding organochlorine contaminants (OCs) in herring (Clupea harengus) muscle and guillemot (Uria aalge) egg, sampled from 1996 to 1999 from the Baltic Sea. With this randomly sampled ratios (RSR) method, biomagnification factors (BMF(RSR)) were generated and denoted with standard deviation (SD) as a measure of the variation. The BMFRsR were calculated by randomly selecting one guillemot egg out of a total of 29 and one herring out of a total of 74, and the ratio was determined between the concentration of a given OC in that egg and the concentration of the same OC in that herring. With the resampling technique, this was performed 50 000 times for any given OC, and from this new distribution of ratios, BMF(RSR) for each OC were calculated and given as geometric mean (GM) with GM standard deviation (GMSD) range, arithmetic mean (AM) with AMSD range, and minimum (BMF(MIN)) as well as maximum (BMF(MAX)) biomagnification factors. The 14 analyzed OCs were p,p'DDT and its metabolites p,p'DDE and p,p'DDD, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB congeners: CB28, CB52, CB101, CB118, CB138, CB153, and CB180), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (alpha-, beta-, and gammaHCH), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Multivariate data analysis (MVDA) methods, including principal components analysis (PCA), partial least squares regression (PLS), and PLS discriminant analyses (PLS-DA), were first used to extract information from the complex biological and chemical data generated from each individual animal. MVDA were used to model similarities/dissimilarities regarding species (PCA, PLS-DA), sample years (PLS), and sample location (PLS-DA) to give a deeper understanding of the data that the BMF modeling was based upon. Contaminants that biomagnify, that had BMF(RSR) significantly higher than one, were p,p'DDE, CB118, HCB, CB138, CB180, CB153, ,betaHCH, and CB28. The contaminants that did not biomagnifywere p,p'DDT, p,p'DDD, alphaHCH, CB101, and CB52. Eventual biomagnification for gammaHCH could not be determined. The BMF(RSR) for OCs present in herring muscle and guillemot egg showed a broad span with large variations for each contaminant. To be able to make reliable calculations of BMFs for different contaminants, we emphasize the importance of using data based upon large numbers of, as well as well-defined, individuals.

Temporal Trends of PFOS and PFOA in Guillemot Eggs from the Baltic Sea, 1968−2003

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have recently been identified as ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Although they have been produced for 50 years, little is known about when they first appeared in the environment and how their concentrations have changed over time, particularly in response to the phase-out of PFOS, which began in 2000. In this study temporal trends in the concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in the Baltic Sea marine environmentwere measured using archived guillemot eggs. Samples collected from Stora Karlsö (Sweden) between 1968 and 2003 were received from an environmental specimen bank and concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were analyzed using HPLC coupled to ESI-MS/MS. PFOA was not detected in any of the samples (LOD 3 ng/g), but there was an almost 30-fold increase in PFOS concentrations in the guillemot eggs during the time period, from 25 ng/g in 1968 to 614 ng/g in 2003 (wet weight). Regression analysis indicated a significant trend, increasing on average between 7 and 11% per year. A sharp peak in PFOS concentrations was observed in 1997 followed by decreasing levels up to 2002, but this cannot be linked to the PFOS phase-out, which occurred at the end of this period.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organochlorine compounds in biota from the marine environment of East Greenland

Ten black guillemot eggs, 19 ringed seals, 20 shorthorn sculpins and 20 Arctic chars were collected around Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund, Central East Greenland) in summer 2001 and analysed for 11 brominated diphenyl ether congeners (BDEs) and organochlorine compounds. Congeners BDE85 and BDE183 were not detected in any sample. ΣBDE was highest in black guillemot eggs, with a median value of 80 ng/g lipid weight. This was approximately three times higher than that found for black guillemot eggs from West Greenland, thus supporting the spatial trend observed for organochlorines in Greenland. The median ΣBDE concentration in ringed seal blubber was 36 ng/g lipid weight. This was clearly higher than ΣBDE concentrations in ringed seal from the Canadian Arctic, but slightly lower than those found in ringed seals from Svalbard collected in 1981 and approximately 10 times lower than levels in seals from the Baltic Sea. Adult ringed seals had significantly higher ΣBDE concentrations than animals less than 5 years old. Shorthorn sculpin liver and Arctic char muscle had similar concentrations of ΣBDE, both with a median value of 7–10 ng/g lipid weight. The levels in shorthorn sculpin were similar to those reported from a previous study in Southwest Greenland. ΣBDE levels correlated with PCB, DDT and chlordane-concentrations in the same samples, indicating similar mechanisms of uptake, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The summed chlorobiphenyl concentrations in the same samples exceeded the ΣBDE concentrations by a factor of approximately 15–30. The BDE congener patterns in black guillemot eggs and ringed seals were investigated using compound ratios and multivariate data analysis. The intraspecies variance was relatively small for black guillemot eggs and larger for ringed seals. Ringed seals had higher relative levels of the lower BDE congeners, e.g. BDE28 and BDE47 than black guillemots. The reasons for these different accumulation patterns are largely unknown and may reflect species-related differences in pollutant exposure, bioavailablity and metabolism.

Temporal trend studies on tetra- and pentabrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in guillemot egg from the Baltic Sea.

Guillemot eggs from the Baltic Sea, sampled between 1969 and 2001, were analyzed for tetra- and pentabromodiphenyl ethers (2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE (BDE-99), and 2,2',4,4',6-pentaBDE (BDE-100)), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). This temporal trend study indicates that the concentrations of the polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds increased from the 1970s to the 1980s, peaking around the mid- to the late-1980s. These peaks are then followed by a rapid decrease in concentrations during the rest of the study period, with the concentrations of the major BDE congener below 100 ng/g lipid weight at the end of the period. This corresponds to less than 10% of its peak values. The concentrations of HBCD show a different pattern over time. After a peak in the middle of the 1970s followed by a decrease, the concentrations increased during the latter part of the 1980s. During the recent 10-yr period no significant change has occurred, and the annual mean concentrations are more or less stable at a higher level as compared to the beginning of the study period.

Persistent halogenated compounds in black guillemots ( Cepphus grylle) from Greenland––levels, compound patterns and spatial trends

Twenty-seven black guillemot eggs and 39 livers were analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides including chlordane-related compounds and toxaphene, and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs). The samples were collected at Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn, West Greenland) and Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund, East Greenland). The concentrations of halogenated organic compounds in samples from East Greenland were somewhat higher than the corresponding concentrations from West Greenland. Differences in compound patterns were found between West and East Greenland, with higher percentages of the heavier PCB molecules, p, p ′-DDE and α-HCH in the samples from Ittoqqortoormiit. Similarly, different levels and different compositions were observed for eggs and livers. The eggs had generally higher concentrations of all compounds as well as higher percentages of CHB-50, CHB-62 and α-HCH than liver samples from the same area. Dividing the liver samples into age groups revealed increasing concentrations with age.

Levels and trends of polybrominated diphenylethers and other brominated flame retardants in wildlife

In this paper, we review the available data for polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and other flame retardants in wildlife, with the exception of fishes from Europe and North America which are covered in more detail elsewhere. More data are available for PBDEs than for other compounds, and these show that some of these compounds have become widely distributed in the environment, being found in samples from Europe, Australia, Azerbaijan, North America and the Arctic. Most available data relate to birds and their eggs and marine mammals, but the results of two food web studies are also included. The detection of PBDEs in pelagic marine mammals which feed in deep offshore waters, including baleen whales, indicate that these compounds have found their way into deep-water, oceanic food webs as well as the coastal/shallow sea examples described in detail. In the North Sea study, the most marked increase in lipid-normalised concentrations of six BDE congeners occurred during transfer from predatory fish to marine mammals. In the St. Lawrence Estuary study, marked differences in the ratios observed between species suggested that some fish species may be able to metabolise BDE99. A number of time trend studies have also been conducted, notably in guillemot eggs from Sweden (1969–2000), beluga whales from the Canadian Arctic (1982–1997 and 1989–2001) and from the St. Lawrence Estuary (1988–1999), and ringed seals from the Canadian Arctic (1981–2000). In the temperate latitudes, from these and other studies (e.g. in dated sediment cores), PBDE concentrations began to rise earlier than in those from high latitudes, in line with data for production and use. These trends have now slowed in many cases. Declines could be expected in Europe for many congeners following the cessation of manufacture and use of the penta-mix formulation in the EU, though these are not yet apparent in environmental samples. In Arctic biota, however, the rapidly rising concentrations seen currently in Canada could be expected to continue for some time, reflecting continued production and use of the penta-mix formulation in North America (>95% of the world total) and the impact of long-range atmospheric transport.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers: occurrence, dietary exposure, and toxicology.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in plastics (concentration, 5--30%) and in textile coatings. Commercial products consist predominantly of penta-, octa-, and decabromodiphenyl ether mixtures, and global PBDE production is about 40,000 tons per year. PBDEs are bioaccumulated and biomagnified in the environment, and comparatively high levels are often found in aquatic biotopes from different parts of the world. During the mid-1970--1980s there was a substantial increase in the PBDE levels with time in both sediments and aquatic biota, whereas the latest Swedish data (pike and guillemot egg) may indicate that levels are at steady state or are decreasing. However, exponentially increasing PBDE levels have been observed in mother's milk during 1972--1997. Based on levels in food from 1999, the dietary intake of PBDE in Sweden has been estimated to be 0.05 microg per day. Characteristic end points of animal toxicity are hepatotoxicity, embryotoxicity, and thyroid effects as well as maternal toxicity during gestation. Recently, behavioral effects have been observed in mice on administration of PBDEs during a critical period after birth. Based on the critical effects reported in available studies, we consider the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) value of the PBDE group to be 1 mg/kg/day (primarily based on effects of pentaBDEs). In conclusion, with the scientific knowledge of today and based on Nordic intake data, the possible consumer health risk from PBDEs appears limited, as a factor of over 10(6) separates the estimated present mean dietary intake from the suggested LOAEL value. However, the presence of many and important data gaps, including those in carcinogenicity, reproduction, and developmental toxicity, as well as additional routes of exposure, make this conclusion only preliminary. Moreover, the time trend of PBDEs in human breast milk is alarming for the future.

Relationship of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran levels to stable‐nitrogen isotope abundance in marine birds and mammals in coastal california

AbstractLevels of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were determined in common murre (Uria aalge), Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata), and pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba) eggs, and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) blubber collected from the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in 1993. In addition, the samples were analyzed for stable‐nitrogen isotopes (δ15N). Of the PCDDs and PCDFs, the 2,3,7,8‐TCDD (TCDD) and 2,3,7,8‐TCDF (TCDF) congeners were the most prominent in the birds. The levels of TCDD in the eggs ranged from 0.2 to 6.6 ng/wet kg in the pigeon guillemot and Brandt's cormorant, respectively. The TCDF ranged from 0.30 to 2.25 ng/kg in the pigeon guillemot and Brandt's cormorant eggs, respectively. Other prominent PCDD and PCDF congeners detected in all bird species were 1,2,3,6,7,8‐HxCDD, 2,3,4,7,8‐PeCDF, 1,2,3,7,8‐PeCDD, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8‐HpCDD. In the Steller sea lion the most prominent congeners were 1,2,3,7,8‐PeCDD at 3.2 ng/kg, 2,3,7,8‐TCDD at 2.9 ng/kg, OCDF at 2.2 ng/kg, 1,2,3,6,7,8‐HxCDD at 1.92 ng/kg, and 1,2,3,4,7,8‐HxCDF at 1.3 ng/kg. Stable‐nitrogen values ranged from 16.9‰ in the pigeon guillemot and rhinoceros auklet to 19.8% in the Steller sea lion.

PCDEs, PCBs, PCDDs AND PCDFs in black guillemots and white-tailed sea eagles from the Baltic Sea

Concentrations and patterns of several chloro compounds including polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF), biphenyls (PCB) and diphenyl ethers (PCDE) were determined in black guillemots ( Cepphus grylle L.) and white-tailed sea-eagles ( Hallaeetus albicilla L.) from the Baltic Sea environment. Three breast muscles of eagles were analyzed and had different concentrations and patterns of the studied compounds, whereas the three guillemot eggs were found to have more similar levels and patterns. The concentrations of individual PCDE congeners varied from < 3 to 79 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in guillemots and from < 5 to 13,000 ng/g lw in eagles. Toxic PCDDs and PCDFs occurred at lower concentrations than toxic coplanar PCB congeners in both guillemots and eagles. The toxic load as TCDD equivalents (TEQ) for coplanar PCBs was on average 5 ng/g lw in guillemots and ranged from 9 to 340 ng/g lw in eagles.

Chlorinated hydrocarbons in glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) in the southern part of Svalbard

In 1989, a number of glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) were found dead near a seabird cliff at south Svalbard. In an effort to clucidate the course of death, 12 individuals were sent to the Central Veterinary Institute for autopsy and analysis of chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in samples of liver, kidney, brain and muscle. Eggs of common and Bru¨nnich's guillemots constitute important food for glaucous gulls during the nestling period, thus 13 eggs (3 eggs from common and 10 eggs from Bru¨nnich's guillemots) from the same area were also analyzed for organochlorines. The autopsy of the birds did not reveal any specific cause of death. The following chlorinated pesticides were analyzed: hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-, β-, γ-HCH), chlordanes (oxychlordane,trans-nonachlor, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide), the drin group (aldrin, dieldrin) and the DDT group ( o,p′, p,p′DDT, DDD and DDE). Relatively low hepatic concentrations of dieldrin were found (n.d.−0.17 mg/kg wet weight (w.w.), mean 0.04), ∑HCH (n.d.−0.14 mg/kg w.w., mean 0.02), HCB (0.03-1.01 mg/kg w.w., mean 0.51), oxychlordane (0.01-1.85 mg/kg w.w., mean 1.05), p,p′DDE (0.81-5.41 mg/kg w.w., mean 2.98), o,p′DDD (0-0.52 mg/kg w.w., mean 0.14) and ∑DDT (0.9-6.25 mg/kg w.w., mean 2.92). Levels of the other chlorinated pesticides were below the quantification level. Very high concentrations of PCBs were found. The ∑PCB (sum of wet weight concentrations of the 21 individual congeners, the IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 74, 99, 101, 110, 118, 114, 153, 105, 141, 138, 183, 128, 187, 156, 157, 180, 170, 194 and 209) in hepatic tissue was 0.8–32.3 mg/kg w.w. (mean 16.0), in brain 0.9–29.5 mg/kg w.w. (mean 14.8), in kidney 0.4–21.4 mg/kg w.w. (mean 9.7) and in muscle 0.5–6.0 mg/kg w.w. (mean 3.1). The concentrations of the individual PCB congeners are also given. Relatively low concentrations of all the organochlorines were found in guillemot eggs, mean concentrations of ∑DDT and PCBs were 0.25 and 0.47 mg/kg w.w., respectively. A toxicological evaluation of the PCB results is difficult; however, it cannot be excluded that PCBs might have contributed to the death of the gulls.

1,2,3,5,6,7-Hexachloronaphthalene and 1,2,3,4,6,7-hexachloronaphthalene - selective retention in rat liver and appearance in wildlife

The two isomers 1,2,3,5,6,7- and 1,2,3,4,6,7-hexachloronaphthalene are shown to be selectively retained in the liver of rats orally dosed with the commercial PCN product Halowax 1014. The retention was further studied by dosing rats orally with a mixture of the two compounds. The rats were sacrificed after 1, 10, 35 and 120 days, respectively. The two hexachloronaphthalenes were found to be strongly retained in the liver and the concentration ratios liver/adipose tissue were remarkably high. 1,2,3,5,6,7- And 1,2,3,4,6,7-hexachloronaphthalene were also found to be present in two environmental samples from the Swedish east coast, cod liver and guillemot egg.

Temporal trends of PCC in guillemot eggs from the Baltic

Pooled samples of homogenized Guillemot eggs from 1974, 1978, 1982 and 1987 and ten individual eggs for each of the two years, 1976 and 1989 have been analyzed for PCC with GC-ECD and GC-MS in the ECNI mode. Regression analysis on PCC concentrations versus sampling year, using the results obtained in GC-ECD analyses based on pooled egg samples and the mean values of the egg samples from 1976 and 1989 respectively, revealed a significant (p<0.01) negative trend. Student t-test applied on the two annual egg samples from 1976 and 1989 showed significant (p<0.01) lower concentrations in 1989, the mean concentration decreasing from 14 mg/kg lipid weight to 6 mg/kg. Concentrations obtained in the GC-MS analyses were higher, especially for the early years and the results confirmed the downward trend.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in biological samples from the Swedish environment

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDE, are widespread contaminants in the Swedish environment and are present in both background and industrialised areas. This study presents results from analyses of a variety of species from different sampling sites in Sweden. The spatial trend along the Swedish coast is similar to that of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and the DDTs. PBDE seem to bio-magnify in fish consumers like grey seal and guillemot (egg). The relative amounts of the investigated tetra- and pentabrominated PBDE congeners are different in different species and in different areas. The importance of a sampling strategy when doing time-trend studies is demonstrated for guillemot eggs.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran levels and patterns in fish and fish-eating wildlife in the Baltic Sea

PCDD/F patterns in different fish species collected at the same site are different from each other indicating species differences in bioaccumulation. There are higher levels of specific congeners in older/larger herring caught at the same site. There are geographical differences in PCDD/F levels and patterns in herring, pike and burbot which may be linked to specific point sources of PCDD/F. PCDD/F levels are much higher in fish-eating birds than in their major fish prey indicating biomagnification. PCDD/F levels in seals, however, do not indicate biomagnification. Levels of PCDD/F in homogenates of guillemot eggs collected at five-year intervals (1974, 1979, 1984, 1989) indicate a possible reduction in environmental PCDD/F levels during the 1980s.

Intraspecific variation in egg composition and yolk formation in the common guillemot (Uria aalge)

Common guillemot eggs were collected and analysed in two years on Skomer Island, Wales, to investigate the effects of environmental conditons during the pre‐laying period on egg formation and composition. Pre‐laying attendance at breeding colonies indicated more favourable environmental conditions in 1987 than in 1986. The size of eggs did not differ between years, but eggs were laid earlier in 1987 and the time taken for yolk deposition was also shorter in 1987. Two distinct effects of environmental conditons on yolk formation were indicated: first, on the timing of initiation of yolk deposition; and secondly, on the duration of the yolk deposition period. Egg composition also differed significantly between years with a higher proportion of albumen and a higher proportion of lipid and non‐lipid solids in yolks in 1987. These results are discussed with respect to environmental conditions and the constraints on egg production.